Basin, elements and method for manufacturing such a basin

ABSTRACT

A method for constructing a concrete basin includes the steps of manufacturing concrete construction elements, transporting the construction elements to the construction site for the basin, joining the construction elements together to form a basin, and arranging covering on the inner side of the walls and bottom of the basin. The inner covering is arranged during the manufacture of the construction elements. The invention also relates to a basin manufactured with such a method and the elements to be used in the construction of such a basin. The basin can be a swimming pool basin or a pond basin. By first covering the construction elements on their inner side and then transporting them to the site and installing them the construction process can be better managed and the working time on site is shortened.

The market for private swimming pools traditionally distinguishes twotypes of swimming pool basin, i.e. swimming pool basins constructed onsite in the classic manner from concrete, and lighter swimming poolswhich are usually manufactured from plastic and the parts of which areprefabricated, subsequently transported to the construction site andassembled at the construction site. The appearance and the durability ofthis type of swimming pool is generally of considerably lesser qualitythan that of swimming pools constructed in accordance with the classicconstruction method. Swimming pools constructed on site in the classicmanner are considerably more expensive than the so-called prefabswimming pools, and require a longer construction time.

There is a need in the market for swimming pools which combine theshorter construction time for swimming pools of the second type with theattractive appearance and the greater durability of swimming pools ofthe first type. A swimming pool basin is thus known from DE-U-79 30433comprising at least one monolithic U-shaped construction element whichis manufactured substantially from concrete and which comprises two sidewall parts and two end construction elements manufactured substantiallyfrom concrete, wherein the side wall parts of the U-shaped constructionelements are placed with their end surface against each other andwherein the end construction elements are placed with their end surfaceagainst the end surface of the outer U-shaped construction elements.This document thus describes a swimming pool, the component constructionelements of which are prefabricated, transported to the constructionsite and assembled and installed at the construction site. Theappearance and the durability of a swimming pool basin manufactured inclassic manner is hereby obtained at a considerably lower price and aconsiderably shorter construction time.

This document moreover describes a method for constructing a concretebasin, comprising the following steps of: manufacturing concreteconstruction elements, transporting the construction elements to theconstruction site for the swimming pool, joining the constructionelements together to form a basin shell and arranging covering on theinner side of the walls and bottom of the basin shell.

In this prior art method the basin shell is initially installed on-site,and the covering is then arranged on the inner side. This requires muchmanual labour and drying time, which thus entails an increase in theon-site construction time and a process which is more difficult tocontrol.

The invention has for its object to provide such a method wherein theseproblems are obviated.

This object is achieved with such a method wherein the inner covering isarranged before the construction elements are transported to theconstruction site for the basin. The arranging of an inner covering isalso understood to mean for instance the polishing or grinding of theconcrete provided with for instance crushed stone; these are after allprocesses which can be performed more easily in controlled manner in anindustrial environment.

The construction elements fully covered on their inner side are thentransported to the site and installed. This results in a bettermanageability of the process, and a shorter working time on site.

This object is likewise achieved with a basin comprising at least oneU-shaped construction element which is manufactured substantially fromconcrete and which comprises a floor part and at least two side wallparts and two end construction elements manufactured substantially fromconcrete, wherein the side wall parts of the U-shaped elements areplaced with their end surface against each other and wherein the endconstruction elements are placed with their end surface against the endsurface of the outermost U-shaped construction elements, wherein theconstruction elements are mutually separated by sealing elements, andwherein a gutter-like structure forming a monolithic whole with theU-shaped construction element is arranged connecting to the upper edgeof both side wall parts of the U-shaped construction elements.

Reference is further made to FR-A-2 375 410. This document shows aswimming pool basin, the walls of which are formed by separateprefabricated plastic elements, while the bottom is formed by concretepoured on site and wherein parts of the panels forming the side wallsare cast in.

It is pointed out here that the measures according to the invention areparticularly applicable to swimming pool basins. They can however alsobe successfully applied to other forms of basin, such as ponds or manurebasins. Swimming pool basins are also understood to mean swimming poolbasins for horses. The measures according to the invention can also besuccessfully applied to for instance caissons as basis for floatingbuildings, clamp silos, manure pits, or for cellars.

This embodiment also provides a U-shaped construction element providedon its inner side with a covering. The construction element istransported in this form from the workplace to the construction site.

This method is further simplified, particularly by improving thehandling of all types of elements, if the basin is assembled from atleast one U-shaped construction element and two end constructionelements.

Particularly the transport of the construction elements is made easierif the U-shaped construction elements are only assembled at theconstruction site. This is because only construction elements extendingsubstantially in one plane, i.e. the floor part and the side wall parts,hereby need be transported. These elements extending in one plane arethen assembled at the construction site to form a U-shaped constructionelement which is subsequently added to the already completed part of thebasin. While this does result in seal junctions, this is less of aproblem than it used to be owing to the materials and seals which haverecently become available. It is pointed out here that the phrase‘elements extending in one plane’ is understood to mean elements whichdescribe a flat or curved main plane and the dimension of which in thedirection transversely of the main plane, or the thickness, is at leasta factor of three smaller than the smallest dimension of the main plane.

This preferred embodiment likewise provides the measure that endconstruction elements extending substantially vertically andmanufactured substantially from concrete are arranged on the outer sideof the U-shaped construction elements.

According to the prior art the construction elements are mutuallyconnected by tension rods extending over all elements together. Thesecan however only be arranged once all construction elements have beenplaced, which makes the arranging of these tension rods difficultbecause of the poor accessibility. The assembly of the basin issimplified if, aAer placing of a construction element connecting to aconstruction element that is already present, the placed constructionelement is connected to the already present construction element beforea subsequent construction element is placed.

This embodiment also provides the measure that the construction elementsare mutually connected by self-locking dowels. It is hereby possible tomutually connect parts of a basin by pressing them against each other ina manner per se known from tunnel construction. Swimming pools haverecently been developed with an overflow edge. Because the edges of thebasin are no longer visible, a more attractive appearance is herebyobtained. There is therefore a need in the quality swimming pool marketsegment for swimming pools of the type stated in the preamble providedwith overflow gutters. It is in principle possible to add such overflowgutters during installing of the basin, although this results inadditional operations for the purpose of arranging the overflow guttersand sealing problems moreover occur. In order to obviate these problemsa preferred embodiment provides such a basin wherein a gutter-likestructure is arranged connecting to the upper edge of both side wallparts of the U-shaped elements and forming a monolithic whole with theassociated side wall part.

The invention also relates to a U-shaped element as component for abasin, comprising a floor part and two side wall parts, wherein theU-shaped element is manufactured from concrete, wherein a gutter-likestructure is arranged connecting to the upper edge of both side wallparts of the U-shaped construction element and forming a monolithicwhole with the U-shaped construction element. It is noted here that thisU-shaped construction element can be assembled from a bottom part andside wall parts, i.e. elements which extend in one plane. As a result ofthese measures an assembly of basin and gutter is obtained which can beinstalled in a single operation and wherein the sealing problems arelimited to a minimum.

Although it is possible in principle, and attractive in respect of thehandling of the construction elements during transport and installation,to arrange the gutter on the inner side of the wall of the basin,according to a preferred embodiment the gutter-like structures arearranged on the outer side of the side wall parts of the U-shapedconstruction elements. This prevents the side wall of the basin underthe overflow gutter lying further outward.

A terrace is in many cases built connecting to the basin. This resultsin an exceptionally attractive appearance, particularly in the case ofbasins with an overflow edge. In order to facilitate the connectionbetween terrace and basin and in order to improve the appearance, apreferred embodiment provides the measure that the U-shaped elements areprovided with support noses arranged against the outer wall of thegutter-like structures and forming a monolithic whole with the U-shapedconstruction element.

In order to increase the structural strength of the basin a preferredembodiment provides the measure that the U-shaped construction elementsare provided with supports arranged under the gutter-like structuresagainst the outer sides of the side walls and forming a monolithic wholewith the U-shaped construction element.

Basins, in particular a swimming pool basin, require a number ofconduits, such as for feed and discharge of basin water and forsupplying nozzles, in addition to electrical lines for lighting andinstallations. In order to facilitate arrangement hereof, a furtherpreferred embodiment provides the measure that openings for passage ofat least one conduit are arranged in the supports. Due to the largespace available for this conduit it is placed clear of the ground sothat a possible settlement of the ground does not result in bending orbreaking of pipes or conduits.

A particularly attractive embodiment provides the measure that theconstruction element is provided with at least one conduit formedintegrally with the construction element. It will be apparent that thisembodiment sets high standards for the seals between the constructionelements, since these seals also form the seals of the conduits.

It is however also possible for the construction element to be providedwith at least one conduit arranged in a cavity bounded by twosubstantially flat parts. The conduit is hereby enclosed between twoparts, for instance between a floor part and a side wall part. Theconduit can herein be formed by a separate conduit enclosed in therelevant space, this providing the option that the conduit is formedintegrally together with nozzles leading to the interior of the basinand is placed as such. It is however also possible for the walls of theconduits to be formed by parts of the relevant elements, which entailsthe conduit being provided with seals extending in the length directionof the conduits. The nozzles can here also be co-moulded. It will beapparent that such cast or enclosed conduits can be accommodated inU-shaped elements assembled from separate parts, but that integrallyformed U-shaped elements can also be provided with cast conduits. Inorder to save weight and to improve the resistance to rust, the U-shapedconstruction elements are reinforced by plastic or metal fibres.

Yet another embodiment provides the measure that the basin ismanufactured from high-strength concrete. High-strength concrete isunderstood to mean concrete with a compression strength greater than 65MPa. The wall thickness can hereby be considerably limited, this alsoresulting in a lower mass of the components of the basin so thattransport is facilitated. High-strength concrete has the furtheradvantage of a lower permeability to water and a greater durability thanthe usual types of concrete. Use can also be made of types of concretesuch as self-compacting concrete, which flow better during pouring sothat the formation of air bubbles is avoided, and the distance betweenthe reinforcement and the side surfaces can be reduced, whereby the wallthickness of the elements can be decreased still further. It will beapparent that this measure entails that not only the U-shaped elementsbut all other concrete elements can be manufactured from such types ofconcrete.

The gutter will in many cases also extend along the end walls of thebasin. In order to also obtain the advantages of the invention in thisembodiment, the end construction elements are both provided with aconcrete gutter-like element which forms a monolithic whole with the endwall and which connects to the gutter-like elements of the adjacentU-shaped construction element

According to a preferred embodiment, the construction elements of thebasin are placed on a concrete slab and are connected to the concreteslab by a connection suitable for absorbing a vertical force. Thisprevents lifting of the empty basin as a result of the upward pressurein a moisture-rich ground.

A further preferred embodiment provides the measure that the area overwhich the concrete slab extends is greater than the area of the basin.This further reduces the chance of lifting.

Basins with an overflow edge require the overflow edge to be sealed upto its upper edge. In order to make this possible with minimal effort,the sealing means are formed by a continuous groove which is arranged inthe end surface of the U-shaped elements and into which a sealingprofile at least partially extends.

Seals usually form a problem in basins assembled from elements. In orderto avoid these problems a preferred embodiment provides the measure thatthe U-shaped construction elements are provided with linear sealingmeans which extend along the end wall of both wall parts, and along thebottom and the side walls of the gutter-like structures. Such seals areusually embodied in the form of grooves which extend in the separatingsurfaces of the wall and in which elongate profiles are placed. Theseseals can herein be placed in one of the two separating surfaces ofwalls to be sealed, although it is likewise possible, subject to thenature of the profile, for such a groove with profile to be placed inonly one of the separating surfaces. It is also possible for twogrooves, each with a profile, to extend in a separating surface of awall, this providing the option of using a continuous profile, althoughit is also possible to make use of a single groove with a singleprofile.

In order to enable transport of the elements on the public highwaywithout special provisions, a preferred embodiment provides the measurethat the U-shaped element has a maximum width of 2.5 m.

The U-shaped elements are fixed against relative displacement on theseparating surfaces by fixation pins and fixation holes or by groovesand protrusions which are integrated into the elements and whichmutually engage during assembly. A preferred embodiment thus providesstructures fixing, by form-locking, the relative position in thedirections of the separating surface of the mutually adjacent elements.

The present invention will be elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of theaccompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic, partially broken-away view of aswimming pool basin according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective schematic, partially broken-away view of aU-shaped element according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of two U-shaped elements accordingto the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a U-shaped element according to the invention;and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a swimming pool basin 1 assembled born U-shapedconstruction elements 2 and end wall elements 3. The U-shapedconstruction elements 2 each comprise a bottom element 4 and two sidewalls S which preferably take a monolithic form in concrete. TheU-shaped construction elements are each provided on their outer sidewith an overflow gutter 6 which preferably also forms a monolithic wholewith the other parts of U-shaped construction element 2. Overflow gutter6 comprises a bottom 7 and an outer side wall 8. Formed against outerwall 8 is a support nose 19 which serves to support terrace elements 10,which in the present example are L-shaped, so that space is createdunder the terrace elements for access to side walls 4 of U-shapedconstruction elements 2 of swimming pool basin 1. Overflow gutter 6 canbe provided with an inner covering 13. It is noted here that U-shapedelement 2 can be assembled from parts such as a bottom part and two sidewall parts.

For the purpose of supporting overflow gutter 6 support elements 11,which are also formed integrally with the associated U-shaped element 2,are arranged connecting to the end walls. These support elements 11impart more stability to overflow gutters 6 but also preferably serve tofacilitate establishing a mutual connection between U-shapedconstruction elements 2, for instance with a screw connection. Supportelements 11 do after all comprise readily accessible surfaces in whichsuch screw connections can be arranged. Openings 12 through whichconduits can extend are also arranged in support elements 11.

The swimming pool basin is herein placed on an already pre-cast concretebase slab 30.

The U-shaped elements 2 rest on base slab 30 by means of beams 31.U-shaped elements 2 are preferably connected by means of continuousconnections to base slab 30 so that a possible upward pressure on theempty swimming pool basin 1 is transmitted to base slab 30, and thisupward force is counteracted.

As shown in FIG. 2, side walls S and bottom 4 of U-shaped elements 2 areprovided with a covering, for instance with a tile layer 14. It will beapparent that other types of covering can be applied instead of thistile layer, such as natural stone, plastics or metal sheets.

The U-shaped construction elements are all manufactured in a factory andsubsequently transported to the construction site. It is thereforeimportant that their width does not exceed 2.5 m in order to enabletransport by road and by sea container without special provisions.Because these elements must usually be displaced using a crane, it ishowever also important that they are not too heavy. The measuresaccording to the invention do however require that the elements have alength corresponding to the width of the swimming pool basin to beconstructed, and this may entail the length, and thereby the mass, ofsuch a U-shaped element being considerable. In respect of the maximumpermissible length of road vehicles the maximum length is here 15 m. Inorder to nevertheless allow handling of these elements by a crane whichis not too large, it is important that the width is not too great. Byselecting a width not greater than 1.2 m it is found that the elementscan at least be handled by a truck-mounted crane, while two elements canbe placed next to each other on a truck and two elements can be placednext to each other in a sea container.

The U-shaped elements 2 must be fixed and sealed relative to each other.For the lateral fixation use is preferably made of dowels 20 which arearranged in the end surfaces of U-shaped construction elements 2 asshown in the detail FIG. 3. This shows that the U-shaped constructionelements are provided on one side with dowels 20 which fit into openings21 arranged in the other end surface. For fixation in the lengthwisedirection use is preferably made of the screw connections alreadydescribed with reference to the support elements.

The sealing between U-shaped construction elements takes place by makinguse of grooves 23 which are arranged in the end surfaces of theconstruction elements and which arc likewise shown in FIG. 3, and inwhich is arranged a sealing profile preferably manufactured from rubberor plastic. As shown in FIG. 3, the U-shaped construction elements areprovided with two parallel extending grooves 23 with profiles 24arranged therein. It will be apparent that it is also possible tosuffice with a single groove including profile 24.

Finally, FIG. 4 shows a detailed cross-section of such an element,wherein that part of a U-shaped construction element is shown whichcomprises an overflow gutter. This shows that groove 23 with profile 24arranged therein extends up to the upper edge of the wall between theactual basin and the overflow gutter. This is important because theheight of this wall, and hereby also the height of the seal between theelements constituting this wall, defines the height of the water levelin the basin. The groove together with the profile arranged therein isalso shown to extend in dual form. The sealing is hereby improved andarranging is moreover facilitated because use can be made of a singlesealing profile.

That which is stated above in respect of the mutual connection betweenthe U-shaped elements 2 likewise applies in respect of the connectionbetween an end wall and the U-shaped element 2 connecting thereto.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a U-shapedconstruction element 2 according to the invention, wherein a conduit 30for feeding water to basin 2 is received in U-shaped constructionelement 2. In the shown example conduit 30 is cast into element 2, i.e.conduit 30 is also made from concrete and is formed during casting ofthe concrete. The use of high-strength concrete makes this constructionpossible. It is however also possible to cast such a conduit 30 when useis made of a separate conduit, manufactured for instance from anothermaterial. When a U-shaped element is used which is assembled from threeseparate elements, there is the further possibility of the conduitsbeing enclosed between the elements. This figure also shows that a shorttransverse conduit 31 extends from conduit 30 to basin 1 and debouchesin the basin by means of an opening 32.

1. Method for constructing a concrete basin, comprising the followingsteps of: manufacturing concrete construction elements; transporting theconstruction elements to the construction site for the basin; joiningthe construction elements together to form a basin; and arrangingcovering on the inner side of the walls and bottom of the basin,characterized in that the inner covering is arranged before theconstruction elements are transported to the construction site for thebasin.
 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the basinis assembled from at least one U-shaped construction element and endconstruction elements.
 3. Method as claimed in claim 2, characterized inthat the U-shaped construction elements are assembled at theconstruction site from elements extending in one plane.
 4. Method asclaimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that after placing of aconstruction element connecting to a construction element that isalready present, the placed construction element is connected to thealready present construction element before a subsequent constructionelement is placed.
 5. Method as claimed in claim 4, characterized inthat the construction elements are mutually connected by self-lockingdowels.
 6. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims,characterized in that the method results in a swimming pool basin. 7.Basin, comprising: at least one U-shaped construction element which ismanufactured substantially from concrete and which comprises a floorpart and two side wall parts; and at least two end construction elementsmanufactured substantially from concrete, wherein the side wall parts ofthe U-shaped construction elements are placed with their end surfaceagainst each other and wherein the end construction elements are placedwith their end surface against the end surface of the outermost U-shapedelements, characterized in that the construction elements are mutuallyseparated by sealing elements, and that a gutter-like element forming amonolithic whole with the U-shaped construction element is arrangedconnecting to the upper edge of both side wall parts of the U-shapedconstruction elements.
 8. Basin as claimed in claim 7, characterized inthat the U-shaped construction elements are assembled from elementsextending in one plane.
 9. Basin as claimed in claim 7 or 8,characterized in that the basin is a swimming pool basin.
 10. Basin asclaimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the gutter-likestructures are arranged on the outer side of the side wall parts of theU-shaped construction elements.
 11. Basin as claimed in claim 7, 8, 9 or10, characterized in that the U-shaped construction elements areprovided with support noses arranged against the outer wall of thegutter-like structures and forming a monolithic whole with theassociated U-shaped construction element.
 12. Basin as claimed in claim11, characterized in that openings for passage of at least one pipe orconduit are arranged in the supports.
 13. Basin as claimed in claim 11,characterized in that the element is provided with at least one conduitformed integrally with the associated element.
 14. Basin as claimed inclaim 8, characterized in that the element is provided with at least oneconduit arranged in a cavity bounded by two substantially flat parts.15. Basin as claimed in any of the claims 7-14, characterized in thatthe basin is provided with an inner covering and that separating linesin the inner covering of the basin coincide with separating surfacesbetween adjacent U-shaped construction elements.
 16. Basin as claimed inany of the claims 7-15, characterized in that the basin is manufacturedfrom high-strength concrete.
 17. Basin as claimed in any of the claims7-16, characterized in that the U-shaped construction elements arereinforced by plastic or metal fibres.
 18. Basin as claimed in any ofthe claims 7-17, characterized in that end construction elementsextending substantially vertically and manufactured substantially fromconcrete are arranged on the outer side of the U-shaped constructionelements, and that the end construction elements are both provided witha concrete gutter-like structure which forms a monolithic whole with theend construction element and which connects to the gutter-like structureof the adjacent U-shaped construction element.
 19. Basin as claimed inany of the claims 7-18, characterized in that the sealing means comprisea continuous groove which is arranged in at least the end surface of theU-shaped construction elements and in which a sealing profile at leastpartially extends.
 20. Basin as claimed in any of the claims 7-18,characterized in that the construction elements of the swimming poolbasin are placed on a concrete slab and are connected to the concreteslab by a connection suitable for absorbing a vertical force.
 21. Basinas claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the area over which theconcrete slab extends is greater than the area of the basin. 22.U-shaped construction element as component for a basin, comprising afloor part and two side wall parts, wherein the U-shaped constructionelement is manufactured from concrete, characterized in that agutter-like element is arranged connecting to the upper edge of bothside wall parts of the U-shaped construction element and forming amonolithic whole with at least the associated side wall part of theconstruction element.
 23. U-shaped construction element as claimed inclaim 22, characterized in that the U-shaped construction element isprovided on its inner side with a covering.
 24. U-shaped constructionelement as claimed in claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the U-shapedconstruction element is manufactured from high-strength concrete. 25.U-shaped construction element as claimed in claim 22, 23 or 24,characterized in that the U-shaped construction element is provided withlinear sealing means which extend along the end wall of both wall parts,and along the bottom and the side walls of the gutter-like structures.26. U-shaped construction element as claimed in claim 25, characterizedin that the U-shaped construction element is provided on only one of itssides with sealing means.
 27. U-shaped construction element as claimedin claim 22, 23, 24 or 25, characterized in that the U-shapedconstruction element has a maximum width of 2.5 m.
 28. U-shapedconstruction element as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that theU-shaped construction element is provided on its side surfaces withstructures fixing, by form-locking, the relative position in thedirections of the separating surface of the mutually adjacent elements.